Woman shares 'easiest way to slim down fast'; but does it actually work? Doctor reveals truth about weight loss strategy

Can walking help burn fat faster than running? According to a doctor, running may make some people more hungry, hindering weight loss.

In a post on March 27, Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine physician, asked his Instagram followers, “Do you walk often?” He then went on to highlight how both running and walking can be effective for weight loss, but the best choice for you depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and preferences.

Ultimately, the best choice between running and walking for weight loss is the one that you enjoy, can stick to consistently, and combines with a healthy lifestyle. (Pexels)

Walking vs running for weight loss: a comparison

He reacted to a video on weight loss by Mandy Ansari, a New York-based content creator, who gave birth in January 2025. In the video, she said, “People always ask me what is the easiest way to slim down fast for an event that you have in a week; and I have a very simple answer to that: 8000-10,000 steps a day, every single day.”

Dr Sood said, “This is why walking might actually help some people burn fat faster than running. When you run, which is a higher-intensity workout, your body will primarily use carbohydrates for energy. Running will also increase your cortisol. Your body will want to replenish the carbs after running. This combined with an increase in cortisol, will lead to an increased craving for carbs. So although running will burn more calories, it can make some people more hungry, making it harder to achieve a calorie deficit.”

He added, “The advantages of walking are: it is low-intensity, it will not cause you to be hungry, and it will still burn calories, making it easier for you to achieve a calorie deficit.”

In conclusion, Dr Sood said, “Running does have other advantages, like for some people, it can improve their mental health; and in that case, running might still be the better option for you. The point of this video is to point out that if we are just strictly talking about fat loss, some people might achieve this faster with just walking.”

More weight loss tips

Ultimately, the best choice between running and walking for weight loss is the one that you enjoy, can stick to consistently, and combines with a healthy lifestyle. Remember that exercise alone is not enough for weight loss. Combine your walking or running routine with a healthy, balanced diet.

If you're trying to lose weight and want a new way to do it, stair-climbing as a regular exercise — or just adding a few flights a day — might be for you. It's accessible and research shows it's more effective than walking on level ground. Click here to learn more about how stair-climbing burns calories fast.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.